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Bolivia signs deal with COB labor union after 50 days of anti-gov't protests

By Reuters Reuters
Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz shakes hands with Mario Argollo, main executive leader of the Bolivian Workers' Union (COB – Central Obrera Boliviana), during a meeting with leaders of the Bolivian Workers' Union (COB – Central Obrera Boliviana) for negotiations amid protests that caused supply chain disruptions, leading to severe shortages of food, fuel and medicine, in La Paz, Bolivia, June 17, 2026. REUTERS/Claudia Morales
Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz shakes hands with Mario Argollo, main executive leader of the Bolivian Workers' Union (COB – Central Obrera Boliviana), during a meeting with leaders of the Bolivian Workers' Union (COB – Central Obrera Boliviana) for negotiations amid protests that caused supply chain disruptions, leading to severe shortages of food, fuel and medicine, in La Paz, Bolivia, June 17, 2026. REUTERS/Claudia Morales Claudia Morales Reuters

LA PAZ - Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz on Friday reached a deal with the Bolivian Workers' Confederation (COB), a step toward resolving a conflict that has paralyzed the country for 50 days.

Bolivians have faced long queues for fuel and challenges accessing food and medical supplies as a result of roadblocks.

"There is a country waiting for white smoke to appear today," COB's executive secretary Mario Argollo said. "We believe we must begin to iron out our differences; we must start building a country based on consensus, with workers participating in the decisions."

(Reporting by Daniel Ramos and Cassandra Garrison)

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect.

This story was originally published June 19, 2026 at 6:58 PM.

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